Power cuts reported in several areas, houses damaged, due to gusty winds and rain

Power cuts have been reported in several areas due to the prevailing weather conditions.

A number of incidents of trees being uprooted and falling across powerlines have been reported throughout the island, Sulakshana Jayawardena, Spokesman, for the Power and Energy Ministry told media today (August 8).

Power cuts were reported from areas including Dehiwala, Malabe, Homagama, Kosgama, Puttalam, Nikaweratiya and Dambulla.

He also stated that work has commenced to restore the damaged power supply lines. 

Meanwhile, several houses were also reported being damaged due to the inclement weather, according to the Disaster Management Center which reported 25 damaged houses in Matale alone.

In addition, 28 houses were reported damaged in Dambulla with around 10 houses in Hathbodiyawatta, Narahenpita as well.

Further, the Western, Central, Northwestern and Sabaragamuwa provinces and Galle and Matara districts experienced heavy rainfall of more than 100 mm.

The Meteorology Department has urged the public to remain vigilant as strong winds upto 80 km an hour could occur during the afternoon and at night.

Meanwhile, transportation along the Hatton - Colombo road in Ginigathhena had been affected for about three hours after trees and electricity lines had fallen across the road due to heavy winds and rains in the area.

However, transportation for one-way traffic had re-commenced after steps were taken to remove the fallen trees. The electricity lines are yet to be removed from the road.

(Additional reporting and pics by G. Krishanthan)